Dynamic Walk is a study in site-specific reconciliation. The project utilizes a rigid modular system designed to negotiate unpredictable, sloped terrains through a segmented, interlocking foundation. It represents a synthesis of digital fabrication and bespoke manual assembly.
Under the direction of Principal Khoa Vu, the technical design and fabrication were led by Tim Wright and Vy Mitnik. This framework necessitated a seamless transition between parametric modeling and physical prototyping to ensure structural integrity across all scales.
Structural Assembly: Executed by Nathan Jang, Peter Won, and William Ellsworth. The team focused on the sequential leveling of the foundation segments to accommodate site-specific slanting.
Technical Support: Critical fabrication assistance was provided by Jesus Perez and Yura Oh, focusing on the patination and finishing of the bespoke stainless steel hardware.
The architectural challenge centered on creating a base capable of maintaining structural stability across irregular landscapes. By engineering the foundation as a series of interlocking segments, the installation functions as a three-dimensional puzzle, allowing for rapid deployment and perfectly leveled platforms regardless of ground-plane fluctuations.
Every structural rib was CNC-machined from Baltic Birch plywood to tolerances of less than a millimeter. This method ensured that the complex friction-fit joints provided the necessary lateral rigidity while allowing the system to remain lightweight and modular for transport and re-installation.
Following its initial success, Dynamic Walk was showcased at the Lancaster Museum of Art and History. The installation served as a physical case study in collaborative design, demonstrating how modular infrastructure can adapt to high-traffic, indoor gallery environments without losing its site-specific identity.
To bridge the organic warmth of the timber with industrial durability, I developed a custom connection system using reclaimed stainless steel tubing. These bespoke joints eliminate the need for traditional fasteners, preserving the structural purity and rhythmic silhouette of the installation.
The project represents a successful merger of industrial precision and organic textures. By utilizing digital fabrication workflows to solve complex topographical challenges, Dynamic Walk serves as a blueprint for modular, adaptive installation design.
